An Historical Archaeology of Labor in Convict Australia: A Framework for Engagement

A groundbreaking framework, the Landscapes of Production and Punishment, redefines the study of Australia's convict system (1788–1868) by shifting focus from prisons to broader labor settings. This approach analyzes the operational logic behind the system, viewing convicts as both individuals and a labor force, while examining their role in producing raw materials, roads, buildings, and other items. By integrating archaeology, history, and historical criminology, the study broadens understanding of punishment, reform, colonialism, and cultural transformation during Australia's early European settlement.

Gibbs, M., Tuffin, R., & Roe, D. (2023). An Historical Archaeology of Labor in Convict Australia: A Framework for Engagement. Historical Archaeology, 57(3), 1008–1030. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41636-023-00433-z